First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List .........................................................................
Michael, Not trying to worry you, but if too much gasket sealing material was used during the rebuild (which is common), the excess could break off and migrate into the radiator or the heater core. This could block the flow and cause overheating. I know this first hand. I had to replace my radiator after having my 389 WS block rebuilt. I still have an overheating problem only at speeds over 50 MPH. I still haven't replaced the heater core, but I'm bored 60 over, so the thickness (thinness) of the walls could be a contributing factor in my case. I'm fine at idle, but once I get to highway speed, I'll heat up to 225 or more. (I am geared at 3.90, which could also be a factor). At any rate, since you overheat at idle (which I don't), it could be that you need to tighten up that fan shroud, check for proper clearance, and possibly consider adding an electric fan. Pontiac engines are notorious for overheating and a rebuilt engine with tighter tolerances will tend to overheat until you put some miles on it. I would recommend replacing the radiator with a Desert Cooler and having your heater core checked for blockage. You should always replace the radiator and the fan clutch with an engine rebuild, in my opinion, especially a radiator as suspect as your's. Aso, if you have the original Harrison radiator, it wouldn't hurt to have it rodded and pressure checked. If it's good, I'd hold on to it. The old Harrisons are getting tough to find. Don't forget to check your thermostat. They're finnicky and even a new thermostat can be faulty. Hope this helps. Bruce '66 GTO, 389 tripower, M-21, 3.90 ----- Original Message ----- From: "Michael Hershey" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, June 03, 2008 9:35 PM Subject: [FGF] Overheating Problems 1969 Firebird - Do I need a new Radiator? | First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List | ......................................................................... | My bird has had overheating problems for some time, and now that my engine | had been rebuilt it still has the old overheating problems. Idling in a | parkign lot today it overlowed and read 225 degrees - very hot! | | I have a 350 2bbl auto with a/c | | The fan clutch turned pretty easily and spun freely even while the motor was | this hot - I assume its gone bad? | | The bigger worry I have is the radiator - as far as I know its the original | radiator to the car - when I added water the coolant looked like a frothy | root beer - there some rust in the radiator for sure - when I drained it | last week the water was pretty brown at first. | | So,...........even if I replace the fan clutch - is is reasonable to assume | I should go ahead and replace the radiator at this point - or is there a way | to diagnose this? | | and yes, I do have a fan shroud, although its not exactly snug on the | radiator sides - it kind of bounces loose . | | Lastly - If I replace the radiator, what are the odds a new one will fit the | shroud? any recommendations on where to get a new radiator that I'll be | happy with? | | thanks!!! | | Michael | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ | Submissions to Firebird-L: <[email protected]> | Unsubscribe from Firebird-L: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> | Help: <http://FirstGenFirebird.org/firebird/Firebird-L.html> | | Classifieds: <http://FirstGenFirebird.org/ubb/> | Owner Pictures: <http://FirstGenFirebird.org/show/> | | Donations: <http://FirstGenFirebird.org/store/cart.mv?999999> | FGF Merchandise: <http://FirstGenFirebird.org/store> | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Submissions to Firebird-L: <[email protected]> Unsubscribe from Firebird-L: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Help: <http://FirstGenFirebird.org/firebird/Firebird-L.html> Classifieds: <http://FirstGenFirebird.org/ubb/> Owner Pictures: <http://FirstGenFirebird.org/show/> Donations: <http://FirstGenFirebird.org/store/cart.mv?999999> FGF Merchandise: <http://FirstGenFirebird.org/store>
